Join our diverse community of professionals and students committed to empowering individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society.

Immersive programs and collaborative student experiences prepare students to excel in a broad range of fields dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and the environment around them. Accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, we foster the scholarly achievements, creative pursuits, and community service of our faculty and students. Learn more about our 11 bachelor’s degrees, six minors, and seven master’s degrees.

Our graduates are influencing the global fashion and interior design industries, caring for the nation’s children, developing nutritional programs, and managing major food and hospitality services. For instance, Angela Ahrendts,’81 fashion merchandising, is the chief executive officer of Burberry, one of the 100 largest companies in the United Kingdom, and remains engaged with the university.

Commitment to Excellence

Students gain real-world experience through our programs’ dedication to practical applications. Here are just a few examples:

Through immersive learning experiences, you team up with students from a variety of majors and a faculty mentor to solve a real problem for a business or community partner. Recently, students redesigned hospital gowns for patients with cancers. The garments were more comfortable and attractive and eliminated the need for nurses to cut the gowns to gain access to ports on patients’ bodies.

Quantity Food Production classes experience all aspects of restaurant management and meal preparation at Allegre Restaurant. This student-run establishment, located in the Applied Technology Building, serves authentic global cuisine to the public.

Nutrition and Dietetics students advance their education at the Nutrition Assessment Lab. This supervised learning experience offers members of the Ball State community with guidance as to proper nutrition and positive health habits and behaviors. Among their many roles, students perform bone density analysis, nutrition counseling, and blood pressure testing for the Ball State community.

A Supportive Environment

Although our research interests vary, we are a strong community of faculty, students, alumni, and friends who support each other in the classroom and beyond. Each discipline supports program-specific communities to connect student with peers, faculty advisors, and professional organizations.

We welcome our alumni, retirees, and friends to continue to build relationships with us. Your expertise and support provides students with the confidence and connections to exceed within the program and beyond. Whether you share your professional experiences with a class, establish a scholarship or facilitate a partnership—our department is eager to connect you with students and faculty engaged in innovative research and study related to your field. Contact us today.